Sorca Clarke
Written
13 Jan 2026 · to Further and Higher Education
2585. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether standards or service-level targets exist for his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department, in responding to correspondence from members of local authorities; if compliance with such standards is monitored; the reasons for delays or failures to respond to correspondence from elected mem…
2637. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether standards or service-level targets exist for his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department, in responding to correspondence from members of local authorities; if compliance with such standards is monitored; the reasons for delays or failures to respond to correspondence from elected members; and the…
116. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the contracted delivery date for the recently announced €19 million counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability; whether a supplier has been selected; and whether the system is contractually committed to be operational before Ireland assumes the EU Presidency in 2026. [72597/25]
117. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence when and where Defence Forces personnel will be trained to operate the new counter-UAS capability; the number of personnel that will be trained; and whether this training will be completed ahead of the EU Presidency. [72598/25]
118. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence to outline the current counter-drone capability within the Defence Forces; and whether additional support from partner states is expected to be required for major events in 2026. [72599/25]
119. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence whether an open tender was conducted for the procurement of four H145M helicopters announced in January 2025; and if not, the justification for the procurement method used. [72600/25]
120. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence to confirm the date the sonar capability contract was signed; and whether this aligns with earlier public announcements regarding the project. [72601/25]
121. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the primary radar project, including the original planned delivery timeline and the current expected completion date. [72602/25]
122. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence to outline the role played by the Defence Forces and Civil Defence during Storm Bram. [72656/25]
123. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the progress made on recruitment and retention; and whether training capacity is to be expanded. [72657/25]
124. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence to outline the current schedule of planned capital works at Custume Barracks, Athlone. [72658/25]
125. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the current staffing strength for all units based in Custume Barracks; and the impact of staffing shortfalls on training and operations. [72659/25]
126. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence whether any assessment has been carried out of the feasibility or strategic implications of relocating or redeveloping Custume Barracks in Athlone. [72660/25]
136. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if he will review tolling arrangements on the M4, including financial impacts on midlands commuters; and if reductions will be considered. [72645/25]
137. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport to provide the annual revenue generated from the M4 toll over the past five years; and to clarify when any concession is due for review. [72646/25]
138. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport to outline Irish Rail's plans to increase passenger capacity on the Dublin-Sligo line, particularly at peak commuting times for Longford and Mullingar. [72647/25]
139. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if investment in additional carriages or enhanced frequency is planned for the Sligo line, and whether platform upgrades are under consideration. [72648/25]
142. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the status of major transport capital projects, including current stage, expected completion dates, and whether any delays or cost overruns have been reported. [72688/25]
173. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated cost to the Exchequer of tax measures announced in Budget 2026 to support families with energy and housing costs, disaggregated for the midlands region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72627/25]
174. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has assessed the insurance and financial risk exposure arising from increasingly frequent severe weather events, and whether specific supports will be developed for affected businesses and households in the midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72628/25]
184. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation how he intends to ensure that the revised National Development Plan and Budget 2026 implementation delivers visible improvements in core public services such as housing, health, transport and education in the Midlands region, particularly Longford and Westmeath. [72625/25]
185. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide a breakdown, by county, of additional capital funding arising from Budget 2026, with specific figures for Longford and Westmeath, and the projected impact on regional employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72626/25]
190. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline the funding streams currently available for the development and enhancement of lakeside and lakeshore recreational amenities, particularly around Lough Owel, Lough Ree and Lough Ennell; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72629/25]
191. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether caravan parks that cater to tourists receive guidance or certification relating to fire safety, and whether a national accreditation system is planned. [72655/25]
219. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on all new school building projects in Longford and Westmeath, including those at planning, design, tender and construction stages.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72633/25]